Io BENGAL FAIRY TALES misfortune on her who remained there, the dear wife to whom he was still devoted. He therefore volunteered to go about with them as a drummer, so that by entertaining the gods and goddesses with his performances, he might be rewarded with a life more blessed and happier than that of a Dano. The men acceded to his request, but what happened to him in the future Bhabaghuray has not yet told us, and until he does we must remain in ignorance. Ill BUDHIBANTA; THE BOY WEAVER IN a certain village in rural Bengal there lived a young He had a mother to weaver, Budhibanta by name.

To make the best of so unfortunate a position, they built temporary sheds thatched with palmyra leaves, and engaged themselves as day labourers to the solvent farmers of their village. Their attitude towards Khoodeh was changed. Though deep hatred rankled in their hearts, they could not any longer dream of molesting him, for they knew that he was far above them in wealth and wisdom. It was to their interest, under the circumstances, to gain his favour, and, sycophants that they were, they constantly approached him to curry favour.

Their means of livelihood were precarious, while Khoodeh lived in comfort. One day, filled with spite and jealousy, they resolved to make away with him, and they cunningly devised a scheme to carry out their intentions. They asked Khoodeh if he would marry, and though he had seen enough to suspect them of treachery, he replied thus to " them, My elder brothers I regard you as worthy of as much veneration as my father. " few days passed, and Khoodeh's brothers one morning falsely told him that a girl had been found for him.